Interview with Daniela Špinar

Daniela Špinar is a Czech theatre director, playwright, and public intellectual whose life and work have become a symbol of courage, transformation, and artistic excellence. She is known for her bold interpretations and fearless storytelling. Not only has she left an indelible mark on Czech theatre, but she has also become one of the most visible trans women in the country, using her voice to break down social stereotypes and foster understanding. She was born as Daniel Špinar and studied drama at DAMU in Prague, where she focused on acting and directing. Her talent quickly propelled her into the spotlight. From 2008 to 2010, she worked as a resident director at the Vinohrady Theatre, one of Prague’s most prestigious theatres. In 2014, she joined the National Theatre as a resident director, and from September 2015 she became the artistic director of the drama ensemble, a position she held for seven years. Her era was marked by daring productions, modern reinterpretations of classics, and pushing the boundaries of theatrical expression. Despite her professional success, Daniela struggled for a long time with questions of identity. At the age of twenty, she came out as gay because she believed that explained her inner conflict. But only at forty, during intensive psychotherapy, did she acknowledge a deeper truth: she is a trans woman. At the end of 2021, she publicly came out as trans, becoming the first widely known trans personality in Czech theatre. She described it as an enormous liberation, her mind had always been female, even if her body was not.

Interview with Martina Sobková

Martina Sobková is living proof that elegance begins with courage. At 36, the Czech model made history as the first transgender woman from her country to compete at the prestigious Miss Trans Star International in São Paulo, where she proudly earned the title of Miss Evolution. In doing so, she didn’t just walk a runway, she stepped into history. But Martina’s story is about far more than crowns, sashes, and glittering stages. It is a story of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-acceptance. From navigating her transition in a country where transgender visibility is still limited, to carving out space in the competitive world of modeling at an age when many women are told their moment has passed, she is redefining what beauty, ambition, and femininity can look like. Her journey challenges outdated narratives about both gender and age, quietly dismantling stereotypes with every appearance. She represents a generation of women who refuse to shrink themselves to fit expectations. And perhaps most powerfully, she shows that authenticity is not a weakness in competitive spaces, it is an advantage.

 

Beyond the spotlight, Martina is equally formidable. As the newly appointed editor-in-chief of Bankovnictví magazine, she proves that intellect and glamour are not opposites, they are allies. She is building her modeling career with the same discipline she brings to finance, embracing new opportunities and pushing boundaries with determination and grace. Balancing boardrooms and backstage preparations, she moves seamlessly between two worlds that rarely intersect. Her ability to excel in both speaks not only to ambition, but to extraordinary focus and resilience. It is this multidimensional strength that makes her story so compelling. Today, Martina stands not only as a beauty queen, but as a symbol of representation. Her visibility matters, not for fame, but for the quiet revolution it represents. Because when one woman dares to take up space, she makes it easier for others to follow. And that is exactly why this conversation matters.

Interview with Lenka Králová

Monika: Today I have invited Lenka Králová, one of the most inspirational transgender activists from the Czech Republic. Her vlog “V Tranzu” provides information about transgender-related topics and includes interviews with Czech transgender women and friends of the Czech transgender community. Hello Lenka!

Lenka: Hello! Thank you very much for the introduction and let me greet all readers!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Lenka: I am 40 years old, I live in Prague. It took me a long time to realize my identity, so at the age of 38, I started taking hormones. My marriage broke up after 15 years because of that, but we have a friendly relationship with a nine-year-old son who makes me very happy.

During the transition, I started filming interviews on YouTube for my show "V Tranzu". I have several different series there, but the most popular one is called "Trans Stories", where I invite trans people of all ages and professions and we talk about their life journeys for about an hour. So far, I have conducted over 30 such interviews.

Interview with Pavie Valsa

Monika: Today we are going to meet a talented and inspirational woman from Czechia. Pavie Valsa is a young makeup artist, model, Britney Spears impersonator, poet, painter, and writer living in the United Kingdom. She is the author of "Twenties and Happy: A complete guide to happiness in a little pocketbook" (2019), published in the English and Czech languages. Hello Pavie!

Pavie: Hello Monika, it’s nice to talk to you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Pavie: I never know what kind of words to say to this question. Ermm I’m a human being? (Laughing) No, seriously, I'm a 27-year-old girl from Czechia. A proud trans girl, to be specific.

I am an author of the book Twenties and Happy, I’m also a Britney Spears impersonator and a signed model, also a professional makeup artist, which I studied for 4 years. In addition, I am a very typical Cancer, I am left-handed, and I have green eyes.

Interview with Jaroslava Brokešová

Jaroslava Brokešová, a remarkable woman whose life story reads like a cinematic script. A tram driver from Prague, Czech Republic, Jaroslava is also a former diva and one of the most charismatic transgender women in Central and Eastern Europe. She celebrates a life filled with courage, transformation, and creativity. This year, she marks a personal milestone, turning fifty while reflecting on twelve years since her gender reassignment surgery. A devoted mother of two, she balances family life with her work at the Prague Public Transport Company, where she drives trams and embraces the rhythm of ordinary life with extraordinary flair. Beyond her daily routine, Jaroslava has a thirst for adventure and learning. She enjoys swimming, biking, climbing via Ferrata, and traveling. Just last year, she sailed the Mediterranean on an 18th-century replica pirate ship, taking on the role of a cadet and exploring the challenges of life at sea. Her journey toward womanhood began at the age of thirty-eight, a process that took years of therapy, hormone treatment, and self-discovery, and one that she approached with determination and authenticity.

 

Before settling into a quieter life, Jaroslava shone on stage as a travesti performer, captivating audiences across the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. From comic sketches to live singing, her performances were a mix of cabaret, glamour, and theatrical daring, including unforgettable moments like performing a Scott Joplin number in full Marlene Dietrich style and delivering a show-stopping striptease. Her stage career was both a creative outlet and a lifeline during her transformative years, providing encouragement, joy, and the freedom to express herself fully. Today, Jaroslava is widely respected for her courage and openness. She is invited to television programs and recognized in the media, yet she remains grounded, valuing her ordinary life and professional achievements as much as her public presence. She offers guidance and support to younger transgender women, emphasizing the importance of confidence, self-acceptance, and living proudly. With a pragmatic yet inspiring approach, Jaroslava Brokešová exemplifies how authenticity, resilience, and a sense of adventure can shape a life that is both remarkable and deeply human.